According to Brenda Priddy & Co., photographer Neal McDaniel was stopped at a red light when he looked in his rear-view mirror and spotted a huge vinyl-clad SUV followed by a Toyota Tundra. There was no question in McDaniel's mind that the SUV was an early Tundra-based Sequoia prototype.

The 2009 Sequoia will grow in size to compete with Tahoe-sized family utes and will likely offer the same 4.7L and 5.7L engines that the Tundra currently offers.

We'll probably see the Sequoia's first public introduction next year at the Chicago Auto Show, with sales starting in the fall of 2008.

Photo Credit: Neal McDaniel for Brenda Priddy & Co.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) moved to a new location on May 31.  The old address was "400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC  20590."  The new address is:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE
Washington, D.C.  20590

The NHTSA's phone numbers are unchanged.  If you have any questions, contact Stuart Gosswein at StuartG@sema.org.

BREAK THROUGH: Formula One rookie Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix, becoming the first black driver to win a Formula One event. The British racer leads the World Driving Championship standings entering Sunday’s annual U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

MILESTONE: Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing posted its 100th Champ Car World Series triumph Sunday at Portland International Raceway. Three-time series champion Sebastien Bourdais was at the wheel for the team, which was started by Paul Newman and Carl Haas in 1983 and added new partner Mike Lanigan this year.

LAID TO REST: The racing community said its goodbyes to longtime NASCAR head man Bill France on Thursday, June 7. France died June 4 after a long battle with cancer.

THREE FOR: Tony Stewart Racing drivers Levi Jones and Ricky Stenhouse swept the three USAC National Sprint Car Series races last weekend, with Jones taking two victories.

FINED: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Kurt Busch was fined $100,000 and docked 100 points for hitting Tony Stewart’s race car on pitlane during the June 4 race at Dover, Delaware. The penalty dropped Busch six spots in the standings.

BACK ON TOP: With a victory in the rain-shortened NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race, Jeff Gordon returned to the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. Gordon has four victories this season.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

NEWS NUGGETS

DIXON, SCELZI, COUGHLIN AND HINES END UP IN WINNER’S CIRCLE IN CHICAGO: Larry Dixon tied legend Kenny Bernstein with his 39th career Top Fuel win Sunday, beating points-leader Rod Fuller with a 4.579 at 322.11-mph run to capture the title at the 10th annual Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals. Dixon was joined in the winner’s circle by Funny Car driver Gary Scelzi, who beat event runner-up and teammate Ron Capps to grab his 35th career win; Pro Stock driver Jeg Couglin, who knocked off defending series champion Jason Line; and defending Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Andrew Hines, who collected his first win of 2007 over runner-up Matt Smith.

K.J. DOWNS STANFIELD FOR $50,000 KING DEMON CROWN PRIZE: Veteran Pro Stock racer Kurt Johnson became the first four-time winner of the King Demon Crown Saturday, pocketing the $50,000 top prize of the special event by beating surprise finalist Greg Stanfield at Route 66 Raceway. Aside from Johnson’s top prize of $50,000, Stanfield earned $10,000 for his runner-up finish, while Greg Anderson and fellow semifinalist Allen Johnson were awarded $3,000 each. Dave Connolly, Vieri Gaines, Jason Line and Mike Edwards each took home $2,500 for making the field.

POINTS STANDINGS SHIFT AFTER CHICAGO: It was a big championship points week in Chicago for many drivers as many big names failed to qualify for the event. Top Fuel pilot and points leader heading into the event Brandon Berstein collected his second DNQ of the season and gave up the points lead to event runner-up “Hot” Rod Fuller. Entering the event second in points in the Funny Car class, driver Robert Hight earned his first career DNQ, giving points-leader and event runner-up Ron Capps a 140 point cushion. In the Pro Stock category second-place points driver Dave Connolly was bumped to third place by teammate and event winner Jeg Coughlin, while Pro Stock Motorcycle points-leader Matt Smith kept his points lead with a runner-up finish in Chicago.

HUNT WINS DOOR-TO-DOOR FINAL AT NORTHEAST SPORT COMPACT NATIONALS: Pro FWD driver Jason Hunt grabbed his second win of the season and fifth career win in a thrilling race against fellow competitor Gary Gardella at the Northeast NHRA Sport Compact Nationals at Atco, New Jersey. Hunt crossed the finish line first with a time of 7.47 seconds to Gardella’s 7.49. Other event winners include Modified driver Ken Scheepers, Hot Rod racer Stephanie Eggum, Honda Tuning Magazine All Motor driver Jeremy Lookofsky and Pro RWD driver Boris Rojas.

DIVISION 1 CLAIMS SECOND STRAIGHT JEGS ALLSTARS TITLE: Led by strong performances by Top Alcohol Funny Car kingpin Frank Manzo and Competition star Sal Biondo, the team from the Northeast Division (Division 1) successfully defended its overall team title in the 23rd annual Jegs Allstars competition. Individual winners besides Manzo and Biondo include Craig Abbott (Div. 4) in Super Street, Michael Iacono (Div. 1) in Super Stock, Russ Linke (Div. 1) in Stock, Spencer Massey (Div. 4) in Top Alcohol Dragster, Ron Erks (Div. 4) in Super Comp and Ed Olpin (Div. 7) in Super Gas. 
 
COMING ATTRACTIONS

PROCARE RX NHRA SUPERNATIONALS, ENGLISHTOWN, NEW JERSEY, OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP RACEWAY PARK, JUNE 21–24: The legendary dragstrip will host its 38th NHRA POWERade Series race and this one will carry more meaning than ever as the first-ever Countdown to the Championship nears the final stages of the regular season and drivers on the bubble scurry for every last point needed to secure a spot in the Top 8.

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS, NORWALK, OHIO, SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK, JUNE 28–JULY 1: The NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series will make its first appearance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. Catch all your favorite Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle drivers as they battle it out at this Inaugural event.

O’REILLY NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS, BRISTOL, TENNESSEE, BRISTOL DRAGWAY, JULY 6–8: Rescheduled from its original mandate due to track surface conditions, this favorite stop for drivers never fails to produce an exciting weekend for racing. Defending event winners include Doug Kalitta, Ron Capps and Jason Line.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

143: The number of points separating Funny Car defending champion John Force, currently 17th in the points standings, from his teammate, daughter and rookie driver Ashley Force, currently in seventh place. The 117 points separate the defending champion Force from the eighth place and eventual cut off spot in the Countdown to the Championship format. The eighth place spot is currently held by driver Del Worsham.

DRIVERS TELL ALL

FUNNY CAR DRIVER ASHLEY FORCE ON HER ENGINE EXPLOSION IN CHICAGO: After a wild ride during qualifying at the Torco Racing Fuels Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Funny Car driver Ashley Force talks about her fiery ride created by a supercharger explosion on her Castrol GTX Ford Mustang. “I remember thinking we were getting down the track pretty well, (especially) since everyone else was having trouble. We were getting to the end and then ‘boom!’ I screamed because it scared me. I wasn’t expecting it.”

For more information, visit www.nhra.com.

United Components Inc.’s (UCI) board of directors appointed Daniel Johnston as its new chief financial officer. Johnston, who will also serve as a member of the board, was previously vice president and chief financial officer of Solae LLC, a producer of soy-based food products. Prior to Solae, Johnston spent more than 10 years in senior financial and operational positions at United Industries Corp.

Delphi named Walter Guertler as its new sales director of its global Gas Engine Management Systems (EMS). Guertler replaces Gary Bertolini, who is retiring following his more than 37 years with GM/Delphi in engineering, operations and sales assignments. Guertler joins Delphi from Siemens VDO Automotive where he was a vice president and key account executive on the Chrysler account in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Larry Carter, president and CEO of Car-O-Liner North American Operations, announced that he will retire at the end of June after holding his leadership position for 17 years. He will remain as a director of the company’s board and as a senior advisor to Alignment Systems AB, the parent company of Car-O-Liner. Jeff Kern has been appointed managing director and president of the North American operations of Car-O-Liner Co. and Alignment Systems, and will succeed Carter effective July 1. Kern has held several senior positions within Hunter Engineering Co., most recently as director of OEM Programs and Detroit regional manager.

Ex Goodyear North American Tire Group President Jon Rich was named president and CEO of Momentive Performance Materials Holdings Inc., formerly known as GE Silicones. Rich, who left Goodyear this past March, worked for GE Silicones from 1996–2000.

Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC worked with the team at Bigfoot, recognized as The Original Monster Truck, to develop a new look for America’s first rolling car crusher. Boasting the Firestone shield and a paint theme portraying the tradition of the Firestone brand, Bigfoot (pictured below) now carries the Tiresafety.com logo. Tiresafety.com is an informative website created by Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire to make tire and automotive safety information easily accessible to motorists via the Internet.

The latest news from SEMA councils and committees:

Motorsports Parts Manufacturers Council (MPMC)

• The 11th annual MPMC Media Trade Conference is set for Tuesday, January 22–Thursday, January  24, 2008, at the Embassy Suites Hotel LAX South in Los Angeles. For more information on the MPMC Media Trade Conference, contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.
  
• MPMC members have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 MPMC Select Committee Election

• Rich Barsamian, Grant Products International Inc. – Incumbent
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Billy Carroll, Wilson Manifolds
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Kyle Fickler, Aeromotive Inc.
• Geoffrey Gerko, Mr. Gasket Performance Group
• Joe Hige, Turbonetics Inc.
• Ryan Hunter, SCE Gaskets Inc. – Incumbent
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. – Incumbent
• Dan Qualls, Total Seal Inc.
• Bob Ritzman, B&M Racing & Performance Products Inc. – Incumbent
• Todd Ryden, MSD Ignition – Incumbent
• John Sonnefeldt, Eaton Performance Products

Election ballots were mailed to all MPMC members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the MPMC. Vote now! If you have any questions, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org. To learn more about the MPMC, visit www.sema.org/mpmc.

More SEMA council and committee news:

Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO)

The following council members are the candidates for the ARMO Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

ARMO Select-Committee Candidates

• Melvin Benzaquen, Classic Restoration Enterprises, Inc.
• Todd Bidwell, Parts Unlimited, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Ken DeVries, Trader National Publishing
• Steven Moskowitz, Antique Automobile Club of America, Inc.
• Roger Niehaus, Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. (Incumbent)
• Sandy Patterson, Primedia (Incumbent)
• Curt Patterson, AMAA (Incumbent)
• Jim Vinarski, Carlisle Productions Inc. (Incumbent)
• Mark Vogt, Classic Industries/OER

To learn more about ARMO, visit www.sema.org/armo or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA)

The following council members are the candidates for the HRIA Select Committee elections. There are six open seats for this year’s election. For information and how to vote, contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

HRIA Select-Committee Candidates

• Del Austin – Street Thunder magazine (Incumbent)
• Tommy Daniels – Yearwood Speed & Custom (Incumbent)
• Dick Dixon – Automotive Education Alliance, Inc.
• Mike Kinney – Las Vegas Rod & Custom
• Rick Love – Vintage Air Inc. (Incumbent)
• Bob Millard – Championship Auto Shows
• Ross Ortman – Dakota Digital Inc. – (Incumbent)
• Brian Reese – Comp Performance Group
• Eric Saltrick – Steele Rubber Products
• Janeen Webb - Primedia

To learn more about the HRIA, visit www.sema.org/hria or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Alliance (TORA)

• The DVD: “Why Paint Colors Vary?” This valuable resource is now available. TORA members now have a valuable new tool that will help educate consumers about the challenges of the paint color-matching process. Available for dealers and installers to play in their waiting areas, the video is presented in a professional format and brings a consistent message on why paint colors vary. The TORA “Why Paint Colors Vary?” DVD is available to TORA council members free of charge (or $49.95 for non-TORA members). Other tools available from TORA are the CHMSL and altered-height CDs. For details or to place an order, contact Staci Perricone at 909/396-0289, ext. 104, or e-mail stacip@sema.org.

To learn more about the TORA, visit www.sema.org/TORA or contact Monica Terlouw at monicat@sema.org.

Manufacturers' Representatives Council (MRC)

MRC members should mark their calendars for the following upcoming council activity:

• 2007 MRC Rep Conference
  September 26–27, 2007
  Phoenix, Arizona

To learn more about the MRC, visit www.sema.org/mrc or contact Jan Desma at jand@sema.org.

Professional Restylers Organization (PRO)

To learn more about PRO, visit www.sema.org/pro or contact Ellen McKoy at ellenm@sema.org.

Sport-Compact Council (SCC)

Members of the SCC have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SCC Select Committee Election

• Ross Berlanga, KTC Media Group
• Ed Burgy, CORSA Performance – Incumbent
• Jim Liaw, Formula Drift
• Kirk Miller, AEM – Incumbent
• Ahad Mirza, Auto Meter Products
• Oliver Rachlein, Eibach Springs Inc.
• Albert Reda, Vibrant Performance
• Brian Reese, Competition Cams Inc.
• Malen Reger, Motovicity Distribution – Incumbent
• Gary Rubio, Performance Motorsport Inc.
• Richard Schroeder, Eagle Vista Productions – Incumbent
• Tyler Tanaka, Turbonetics, Inc. – Incumbent
• James Yim, K&N Engineering Inc.

Election ballots were mailed to all SCC members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballot. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SCC. Vote now!If you have any questions, contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Tracie Nuñez, Advanced Clutch Technology, was elected chairman-elect of the SCC. Nuñez will start her role on July 1 when current chairman-elect, Eric Breslow, Power Slot/Power Performance Group, takes over as SCC chairman.

To learn more about the SCC, visit www.sema.org/scc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Wheel & Tire Council (WTC)

• George Gillespie, Safety Compliance Engineer responsible for OVSCs tire-related standards, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), delivered a presentation at the 2006 SEMA Show regarding NHTSA's enforcement activity relative to tires for passenger vehicles and trucks. Gillespie provided overview and status of the agency's recent initiatives to increase tire safety, including compliance and enforcement actions for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (FMVSS No. 138) and passenger and light-truck tires (FMVSS No. 139). He also discussed the current increased enforcement to address concerns related to imported tires. SEMA members can now get a copy of Gillespie's PowerPoint presentation by contacting Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289, ext. 112 or paulm@sema.org.

To learn more about the WTC, visit www.sema.org/wtc or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

SEMA Businesswomen's Network (SBN)

Members of the SBN have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 SBN Select Committee Election

• Emily Bailey, Racemark International
• Savitri Dhiman, Wheel to Wheel Powertrain
• Melissa Lawrence, Power TV Media
• Kristine Lindahl, ARP
• Nancy Loetfering, TD3 Products
• Marla Moore, Hypertech Inc. - Incumbent
• Kristy Neukam, Meyer Distributing
• Linn Remling Mills, Street Thunder Magazine
• Jan Sica, Vince Sica and Associates
• Kathryn Wakeford, TEN Magazine
• Trina Wilson, Direct Communications

Election ballots were mailed to all SBN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the SBN committee. Vote now!
If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Get expert advice on a business-related problem. The SEMA Mentoring program, powered by the SBN, is available to all employees of SEMA-member companies. Ask a one-time question or be matched with an established leader. Visit www.sema.org/mentoring for details.

To learn more about the SBN, visit www.sema.org/sbn.

Young Executives Network (YEN)

Members of the Young Executives Network have the unique opportunity to help shape the future of the automotive aftermarket by choosing appropriate representatives to serve on the select committee as their eyes, ears and voice.

Nominees for 2007 YEN Select Committee Election

• Mike Bolio, Scafidi-Bolio & Associates
• Ashley Chalk, Daytona International Speedway – Incumbent
• Casey Coker, Coker Tire Company
• S. Kellie Colf, Eaton Detroit Spring – Incumbent
• Zac Compton, Classic Instruments Inc.
• Jamie Cook, Wangs International/Pilot Automotive
• Bob Engel, Auto Meter Products Inc.
• Jason Fink, Advantage Truck Accessories, Inc.
• Nick Gramelspacher, Meyer Distributing – Incumbent
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas – Incumbent
• Derrick Johnston, Alliance Sales
• Brett Kinsfather, K&N Engineering, Inc. – Incumbent
• Greg Parker, P&E Distributors, Inc. – Incumbent
• Shawn Pitts, Considine Sales & Marketing
• Eric Saltrick, Steele Rubber Products
• Douglas Schriefer, Barry Grant, Inc.
• Melanie White, Hellwig Products
• Robert Wityczak, Grant Products International Inc.
• Mandi Woodell, Weather Auto Supply – Incumbent

Election ballots were mailed to all YEN members in May. Members are encouraged to check their inboxes for numbered ballots. The deadline to submit ballots is Friday, June 15. Your vote and voice is important to the forward motion of the YEN committee. Vote now! If you have any questions, please contact Paul Moritz at 909/396-0289 ext. 112, or paulm@sema.org.

• Did you know that the annual SEMA Show Silent Auction, hosted by the SEMA Young Executives Network, raised more than $70,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in 2006? If you are interested in donating an item or becoming involved in the 2007 Silent Auction, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Did you know that YEN has more than 500 members networking in the industry and is the largest SEMA committee? If you are employed by a SEMA-member company and are under the age of 39, then you can join the YEN for free. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, visit the YEN website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Bianca Hennings, Window Canvas, was selected for the YEN Silent Auction Task Force Chairman. Hennings will assume the position when the current chairman, Dave Williams, Rampage Products, finishes his term with the YEN Select Committee in July. The SEMA Silent Auction, that is managed by the YEN, has raised more than $100,000 for the SEMA Scholarship Fund in the past three years. If you are interested in participating in the SEMA Silent Auction on any level, visit www.sema.org/yen for additional information.
  
• Did you know that YEN sponsors networking events and mixers at most of the major trade shows and conferences? If you are interested in becoming a member of the SEMA Young Executive’s Network, please visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Becoming involved in SEMA at an early age will help you work your way to the top. Did you know that current SEMA Chairman of the Board, Mitch Williams, was once a member of YEN? If you are interested in becoming a YEN member, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.
  
• Lance Packard, Painless Performance, was elected YEN chairman-elect. Packard will assume the position when current chair-elect, Laurel Dasher, Uni-Marketing LLC, takes over as YEN chairman on July 1.
  
• Did you know that the YEN has a Member of the Month Spotlight on the SEMA website and that anyone can be nominated? To view previous selections or to make a nomination, visit our website at www.sema.org/yen.

To learn more about the YEN, visit www.sema.org/yen or contact Paul Moritz at paulm@sema.org.

Filler for eNews

Dates and locations for several upcoming SEMA-sponsored shows and activities have been announced. Details are:

>> Aftermarket eForum, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, July 16–18, Chicago
>> SEMA Installation Banquet & Gala Fundraiser, July 27, Irvine, California
>> MRC Rep Conference, September 26–27, Phoenix
>> SEMA Show, October 30–November 2, Las Vegas

For association-related travel, contact Manya Petropaki (manya.p@travelstoreusa.com) at Travel Store USA, 949/930-9268.

The early-bird registration deadline for the 2007 Aftermarket eForum has been extended to June 15. Attendees can save $200 off the regular rates when they register online, by fax or mail. The eForum will be held July 16–18 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare near Chicago and features an agenda packed with featured presentations, panel discussions, breakout sessions and educational tracks—all focused on innovative technology solutions to today’s business challenges.

Members of AAIA, AWDA, AIA Canada, MEMA and SEMA can register the first attendee for $695. Additional attendees are $595. Non-member rates are $895/$795.

For more information on the 2007 Aftermarket eForum, contact 301/654-6664. To view the agenda, download the brochure and register online, visit www.aftermarketeforum.com.